Presented at the International Down Syndrome Research Forum 2026 - We document the emergence of the Christchurch Early Intervention Trust programme in 1970’s New Zealand, a pioneering integrated, biopsychosocial nongovernmental early intervention service for infants and young children with Down syndrome. Barriers existed from the micro to the macro levels and included family and community attitudes and beliefs, professional training limitations, and resistance and lack of understanding at all levels of Bronfenbrenner's model. These were addressed through a new integrated service delivery model involving collaboration with, and education of, families and professionals, and the harnessing of key players in the medical and educational professions.

Recognising and understanding our own sensory differences and preferences supports us to regulate in a way that is authentic and sustainable, advocate for our or our children's needs

Time spent in nature can have a powerful effect on emotional regulation — the ability to notice, process, and respond to feelings in a balanced way. For young children (and their parents), nature can act like a gentle co-regulator.

Social stories are a short description of an event or situation that describes what will happen and why, in a literal way that can help understanding.They can help children cope with changes to routine and structure, unexpected events, unplanned changes due to weather and planned trips away from home.

A recipe for low sugar, high protein, Cottage Cheese Waffles - that kids love to eat

A few simple sensory-aware adjustments can make the holidays calmer, more enjoyable, and more inclusive—for everyone. We share some sensory suggestions for busy homes and real kiwi families.

Schemas are meaningful learning patterns that support children’s cognitive development, emotional regulation, and sense of safety in the world. Understanding schemas can help whānau and kaiako work together in ways that are grounding and informed by what we now know about the developing nervous system.

We all have key senses that we use to understand and navigate the world around us. They play a vital role in the way we experience our environment and the way we respond to it. You’re probably familiar with the five senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell, but there are three other significant ones to be aware of too: Proprioception, interoception and the vestibular system

This little tool—Behaviour → Need → Strategy—gives families a quick way to understand what’s beneath a child’s actions and offers ways to respond

Let’s unpack the idea of milestones in child developmnent, where the concept comes from, and whether it supports children—and their caregivers.

Events for children and families in Ōtautahi / Christchurch for Christmas 2025

Here are four ridiculously easy ways to decorate bought biscuits for Christmas — zero baking skills required

Recipe for salt dough - a very easy, inexpensive and non-toxic way to create your own long-lasting Christmas decorations.

Play is how children learn, grow, and make sense of their world. When we prioritise free play over constant structure, we’re nurturing creativity, confidence, and hauora — holistic wellbeing.

Though particularly powerful for neurodiverse children, sand timers can support all tamariki in understanding time, managing emotions, and building self-regulation — skills that benefit them far beyond childho

When children play with playdough there are so many opportunities for growth and development. Playdough supports fine motor skills, social and emotional development, language development, creativity and imagination and sensory input.

Recipe for kid-friendly mild chicken curry with a sneaky cauliflower sauce

True growth happens when we support the whole child—te tamaiti katoa—nurturing not just their minds, but their hearts, wairua (spirit), bodies, and relationships. This is called whole-child support, and it’s especially powerful for neurodivergent tamariki

As parents, caregivers, or educators, we all want our children to be safe. But there’s a deeper layer to safety that often goes unnoticed—felt-safety. It's more than just physical protection or setting boundaries. It's about how safe a child feels—emotionally, physically, and socially.Understanding and nurturing this internal sense of safety is key to helping children thrive. Let’s explore what felt-safety really means, why it matters, and how you can support it in your child's daily life.

When we think of school readiness, it’s important to think about sensory needs, physical needs, and social-emotional needs which all create foundations for participating in the classroom and the playground.

Parenting is one of the most demanding roles a person can take on. It's filled with joy, exhaustion, uncertainty, and deep love—all at once. For parents of children with neurodivergence or unique developmental needs, the demands can be even more intense

A recipe for high protein, gluten, dairy and nut free kidney bean muffins - that kids love to help with and love to eat!

Explore how movement supports children's development, self-regulation, and learning. A neuro-affirming, holistic approach by the team at PerVigeō.

Sensory play is more than just messy fun—it’s a powerful way for children to learn, connect, and grow. In this post, we explore how sensory experiences support brain development, motor skills, communication, and emotional regulation. With practical, low-cost activity ideas and a neuroaffirming lens, discover how to make everyday play meaningful for children of all abilities.

In the earliest years of life, children can’t regulate their emotions on their own—they rely on the calm presence of a caregiver to help them feel safe and secure. This process is known as co-regulation: the supportive, responsive way adults help infants and toddlers manage big feelings before they can do it alone.This article from Zero to Three explores how co-regulation begins at birth, offering practical strategies for everyday moments. From holding a crying baby to using a calm tone during a toddler’s meltdown, caregivers can be a child’s emotional anchor. Simple techniques—like sitting close, breathing together, and labeling emotions—help lay the foundation for lifelong emotional resilience.

A compassionate look at how medical labels affect children and families, and why early intervention must focus on strengths, not just deficits.

Discover the story behind PerVigeō, a family-founded service supporting neurodiverse children through early, integrated assessments. Every child deserves to thrive.

What is neurodivergence, and what do parents of neurodivergent children need to know? This article explores what it means to be neurodivergent and describes how parents can support their children and help them thrive.

When a child develops differently to their peers, it can bring uncertainty, grief, and strength. This powerful keynote from Dr Patricia Champion explores how to truly support families through connection, respect, and clinical partnership.

Is your child struggling with big emotions, tantrums, or mood swings? Learn the signs of emotional dysregulation and how early support can make a difference.

Wondering if your child’s development is on track? Learn the key signs to look for across speech, motor skills, social interaction, and more—and how to seek support if needed.